Harold Gerrich

Pfc. Garrich Writes Parents

A letter received by Mr. and Mrs. Ira Gerrich of Schneider, from their son, Pfc. Harold Gerrich, recently dispelled any fears they might have had for his safety.

Last Dec. 23rd, his parents were notified by the war department that Gerrich ha[d] died from wounds received in landing operations in the North African area, but later the department notified the Gerrichs that reports of his death were erroneous and that he was recuperating in a base hospital.

The letter, beside corroborating the government's report that he was "still kicking," told of the high price of cigarettes and candy at a North African soldiers' auction. Cigarettes sold for $1 a package or $10 a carton, and a five-cent chocolate bar brought $2.35.

Pfc. Gerrich was inducted last May 12.